DATA

• Cases 116
• Hospitalizations 7
• Deaths 4**

*These are cumulative totals as of 08/24/2021 4pm **Deaths in people with a recent positive COVID Test.

• CASES PAST 7 days: 7
• CASES PAST 14 days: 11

TESTS

This week’s percent positivity was 4.35 percent, down from 5.56 percent last week. The goal is to keep this below five percent. Please get tested if exposed or if you have symptoms. Community testing is free. Call 719-438-5401 and ask for the lab. If you are having severe symptoms such as significant trouble breathing, etc. call 911

NEWS

• VACCINE will be available by appointment at the public health office moving forward. Please call the office at 719-438-5782. All 3 types of vaccine are available. This includes a 3rd dose ONLY for the following:
  • The 3rd dose must be at least 28 days after the 2nd dose
  • Receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
  • Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Received a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
  • Advanced or untreated HIV infection
  • Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response.
  • If you are unsure of your eligibility, please speak with your healthcare provider

• Booster doses for the public will start on or after September 20, 2021.
• Pfizer vaccine received full FDA approval! It is no longer under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
• Kiowa County has 40.2% of eligible persons receiving at least 1 dose of vaccine, up from 40.1% last week.
• There are treatments called monoclonal antibodies that can be given to greatly reduce your chance of hospitalization. They are offered locally at the hospital. Call your provider for more information.
• The Delta Variant is now responsible for almost all of the infections in Colorado and the US.

• While we have not had this isolated in Kiowa County, it has been found in our region. It is 50% more transmissible than non-variant COVID-19 viruses. There is significant concern that counties with low vaccine uptake will have significant case surges soon. Almost all hospitalizations and deaths are now in those who are unvaccinated. Those numbers are updated at: https://covid19.colorado.gov/data. Look for the variant data by county drop down menu.

• The most important thing you can do is continue to follow the guidance we have recommended from the beginning! Stay home if not feeling well, cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands frequently or use 60+% alcohol-based hand sanitizer, wear a mask/face covering to contain any respiratory droplets and stay at least 6 feet from others, especially if you are not vaccinated. Minimize gatherings.

Call 719-438-5782 or 719-336-8721 with questions. You can check https://covid19.colorado.gov for information or email pcphdirector@prowerscounty.net with any questions.